It is believed the 71-year-old actor broke his ankle when a hydraulic door fell on him while he was filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

Harrison Ford

He was taken by helicopter to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, which has a trauma unit specialising in fractures.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “We were called to Pinewood studios at 5.05pm after reports of a 71-year-old man being injured by a door.”

A statement from Disney said: “Harrison Ford sustained an ankle injury during filming today on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII. He was taken to a local hospital and is receiving care. Shooting will continue as planned while he recuperates.”

The actor is reprising his role as Han Solo for the latest film in the in Star Wars franchise, which is being directed by J.J. Abrams.